Chapter 31 Betrayed By Blood
Adrian's POV
It's been three days since the whole scandal about Darcy's past. I make a lot of calls, telling magazines and news agencies to take down the news but trust bad news to spread like wildfire.
Darcy suddenly became a name that everyone knows and it's scary and confusing. Everything happens so fast but I'll make sure to find out the person behind it all.
Hazel misses Darcy a lot. Well, not just Hazel. I miss seeing her genuinely happy.
Although, she comes out to play with Hazel, it's almost as if she's always in a daze. Hazel seems to understand what is going on because she's not as demanding and fussy as usual.
I know Darcy is hiding something but I didn't expect it to be so serious. What people are saying does not matter but it means a lot to her.
My phone buzzed and I pick it up from the table. It's the private investigator I hired.
"Tell me you have something meaningful to tell me," I demanded.
"I do, sir. We have him," he informed me.
A sly smirk tugs on my lips. "Send me the location."
I hang up the call and head to change my outfit. Soon, I walk into the living room and see Darcy laying on the long couch. Hazel is sleeping on her chest.
"Darcy, I want to quickly run an errand. Do you need me to get you anything?"
It took her some seconds to realize I am talking to her.
"Hmmm," she clears her throat. "No, sir. I'm good thank you."
I nod and head to the door.
Sir again. These days she sings the word like her favorite song.
As if she's reminding herself that she's not worthy of calling me by my name, talk less of existing close to me.
It hurts because I thought we've long passed that phase. But it would be insensitive to push her at this critical time.
I enter my black Ferrari and ignite the engine. My phone dings - the location.
He knows there's no escaping from me, yet, he still chooses to take the risk. From everything I've heard about him, he's a selfish man. Unless there's something to gain, he wouldn't risk his life.
I step on the accelerator. The earlier I deal with this and get over with it, the faster I'll think a way to pull Darcy out of her shell.
In no time, I arrive at the location - my underground warehouse, somewhere within the woods. Well hidden and discreet.
As I enter the building, Fred rushes towards me.
"Welcome sir," he says.
I raise my eyebrow, "take me to him."
Immediately, he leads the way. We turn to corners and hallways until he stops in front of a big gate.
Three other armed men surrounded the idiot that is bound to a chair.
"Don't you think he's sleeping too much?" I ask as my forehead creases into a frown.
That was all I said before one of the men pours a bucket of cold water in him.
He gasps dramatically, shaking his head vigorously.
"Who is that!" He hissed. Looking around until his eyes land on me.
He pants heavily. "Who...are you?" He stutters.
"You've been running your mouth carelessly on national TV. How can you not know me?" I chuckle darkly.
What a pathetic excuse of a human being? I don't blame Darcy for cutting ties with him. He's not worthy of being a father.
He leans forward and squints his eyes.
"Mr. Ash... Ashford?" He asks in a low shaky voice.
"You look scared. Why is that? You've spoken about me a lot like we are acquainted. You even called me your daughter's husband."
"I... I am sorry. Its all a slip of the tongue. Please don't hold it against me." He begs and pushes his chair forward but was stopped.
I nod and rub my chin. "I shouldn't hold it against you because you are too dumb and reckless to scheme," I pause, and he nods.
Then I continue, "but you have to pay for the emotional stress you've caused Darcy and for agreeing to do something so stupid."
He starts crying. "I didn't not mean to hurt her. I love my daughter so much. I was just confused," he cries.
"We'll see about that. Anyways, you'll tell me the name of the person, who paid you to leak the past dirt she desperately tried to escape from." I order. Not giving him the luxury of a choice.
Fear flashes through his eyes as he shifts uncomfortably on his seat. "I...can't say. Else, I'm doomed."
"I admire that you fear whoever that is behind you. Too bad your loyalty lies with the wrong person. I'll make you suffer in more terrible ways if you don't spill," I threaten in a deep voice.
He blinks rapidly and his breath hitches. Obviously, in deep thoughts. Beads of sweat form on his forehead.
"And trust me, I keep my promises."
He looks at me from underneath his eyelashes. He shivers and looks away immediately.
"I don't know her name but she's very wealthy and smart. Thinking about it, you resemble her."
Now it is my turn for the words to get stuck in my throat. My heartbeat quickens.
Hope it's not who I think it is? She can be extreme but I don't think she can do something so evil.
I click on my mother's picture and show it to him.
He looks at it and then at me. "She's the one!" He drops the bomb on me.
I stagger and step back. Thousands of thoughts run through my head.
Why did she do that? All because of what?
"Are you sure of what you just said?" I ask him.
"Hundred percent." He confirms.
"Look after him!" I order and dash out with one place in mind - my mother's house.
I speed through the road ignoring the traffic rules. An hour later, I drive into the compound. She's in the garden sipping tea like she hasn't just ruined someone's life.
"Adrian? Finally, my son remembers to visit his mother. What do I owe this pleasure?" She beams.
She opens her arms to hug me but I dodge it. She frowns. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"What the hell is wrong with you, huh?" I bark.
"Hey, watch your tone young man. I'm still your mother and you will accord me the respect I deserve!" She hisses.
"And my mother will not stoop so low to stir up chaos."
"What do you mean by that?" She feigned ignorance.
"I know you disapprove of Darcy but how could you cause someone's child so much pain. You used her weakness against her. What if someone else did that to me or Hazel, how would you feel?"
She folded her arms. "It's not entirely my fault. Besides her douchebag of a father wanted it too. I don't regret what I did. It's not wrong to keep her in her place and it's certainly not beside you." Her voice is cold and defensive.
"Enough!" I roar. "Who the hell are you? You paid media houses, bribed old neighbors to lie. All for what? To prove a point that she's below me? How insensitive can you be?"
She looks away not feeling remorseful.
"You repulse me. Don't show your face in my house again. I don't want you teaching my daughter bad manners." I declare and walk away before she could protest.
Shame and guilt wash over me. I promised to get justice for Darcy. Now how do I deal with my mother? Did I overestimate myself?
Will this be the breaking point for us?